Effect of salt spray ageing on the fracture of composite-to-metal bonded joints

This work investigates the effect of long-term environmental exposure on the performance of composite-to-metal bonded joints. Specimens are manufactured using a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) co-bonded to a steel member with epoxy adhesive and aged in a salt spray chamber. The mixed-mode fracture behavior of the non-aged and aged specimens is assessed using the mixed-mode bending (MMB) test apparatus. The fracture energy is calculated...